PC Troubleshooting Questions and Answers - The Oleaut32.dll File Cannot Start Error

Daniel writes in with a troubleshooting question

Question: I have an error whenever I run ANY program. It says "The Oleaut32.dll file cannot start. Check the file to determine the problem." Any ideas how I can fix this? I would be grateful if you could help me.

Answer: The first thing to try is to re-register the file by clicking on Start, Run and then typing in regsvr32 oleaut32.dll and clicking Ok. Then reboot and see if that takes care of it.
 
You may also want to try and restore your registry back to a date when it was working properly using the scanreg /restore command.
 
1.Start your computer in Safe Mode Command Prompt Only mode from the Safe Mode menu.
2. At the prompt, type cd\windows\command, and then press ENTER. Assuming windows is the name of the folder in which Windows is installed.
 
3.At the C: prompt, type scanreg /restore, and then press ENTER.
4.Select the previous registry you want to restore, and then press ENTER
 
Another thing to try is to reinstall the Visual Basic 6.0 run-time files
1. Start the computer in Safe Mode
2. Browse to the windows\system directory
3. Delete the oleaut32.dll file
4. Run the VBRun60.exe file
5. Restart the computer
 
Download the Visual Basic 6.0 run-time files here.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/192461
 
This site includes a fix file for the problem you are having. It will ask for your name and phone number but you don't have to put your real information. It has instructions as well.
http://www.denvertax.com/TechSup/oleaut32/default.htm

Keep in mind that some of these methods can be dangerous to your computer or possibly make things worse so do so at your own risk.

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